The reeling Phoenix Suns could certainly use Kevin Durant when they take on the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. Durant hasn’t played since Mar. 5 in the Suns’ 130-126 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
On Mar. 9, just when KD was about to make his home debut in Phoenix, he rolled his left ankle and injured it during warmups. KD got up and finished his routine, but was declared out by the Suns for precautionary measures against his old team, the OKC Thunder.
•
After the game, it was announced that Kevin Durant will, unfortunately, be sidelined again until the end of this month. The Phoenix Suns informed the media that he will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
If the former NBA MVP recovers as expected, he could be available on Apr. 2 against, coincidentally, the OKC Thunder.
Phoenix is unbeaten in the three games that Durant played. He averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists during that stretch. KD also hit a ridiculous 69.0% of his shots, including a blistering 53.8% from behind the arc.
The Phoenix Suns are 2-5 in their last seven games without Durant. Unfortunately, for the Suns, he’s only going to be a cheerleader for them tonight.
What is Kevin Durant’s status against the Sacramento Kings?
Kevin Durant has officially been ruled out for the Phoenix Suns’ matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Durant hasn’t played in the Suns’ last seven games due to a left ankle sprain, which he suffered during pregame warmups.
KD was working on his routine right before the tip-off against the OKC Thunder when he rolled and injured his left ankle. It didn’t look like he was going to be sidelined as he finished his workout as if he was not injured.
A day after the game, the Phoenix Suns broke the news to the media that the two-time NBA champ will need three weeks to recover. Durant will be re-evaluated on Mar. 30.
If things go as planned, he could be back in the Suns’ last few remaining regular-season games.
What is Kevin Durant’s impact on the Phoenix Suns?
Las Vegas oddsmakers gave the Phoenix Suns a +1800 chance of winning the 2023 NBA championship. After acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, their odds improved to +425. He can simply change the ceiling of a team when he’s available.
The Suns were energized when Durant was on the floor. Devin Booker was awarded several open looks because of KD’s presence. Chris Paul’s job became a little easier with another legitimate scoring maestro at his disposal.
Phoenix did not lose a game when the “Slim Reaper” was on the floor.
Kevin Durant makes the Phoenix Suns a bonafide championship contender. Without him, they may even drop into the play-in tournament.
The Suns (38-34), who are in fourth place, are only just 3.0 games ahead of the Utah Jazz (35-37) for the 11th spot. Phoenix is on a two-game losing streak. If they can’t snap out of their lethargy, they could end up having to fight for their playoff aspirations via the play-in tournament.
